You can agree but it's under a false pretense. While it's similar in nature to shelters where it's first come first serve, it has nothing to do with non-tent carriers (which is insane) getting dibs at shelters which no one has called for.
What's next shelter reservations along the entire trail? (not just in the Smokies which is another disingenuous argument.)
Now that I rethink it, I cannot think of one call I made where the hostel didn't take reservations. Now, I did not always call. I generally preferred motels when the option presented.
For sure took my res:
Aquone
Hemlock
Crazy Larry
Ironmaster
Green Mt
Hikers Welcome
The Cabin
Shaws
AT Lodge
I keep editing as I think of more. It isn't something I wrote down in my journal.
Last edited by ChinMusic; 03-10-2014 at 21:35.
Fear ridges that are depicted as flat lines on a profile map.
Sly,
They do not advertise that they take reservations. I can tell you that I have called some hostels and they have held a spot for me. I have also called some hostels and they have denied my request. Sometimes it was the same hostel. No I haven't made them months or even weeks ahead. I have called them from the trail.
Most businesses on the AT don't have a staff waiting for phone calls. But, I guarantee that all of them sure appreciate the business that they receive. It is absurd to think that calling ahead to see about availability, and subsequent "reservation", is in poor taste. Hostels will make the call whether or not they will hold a room for you. My experience is that they will. I definitely won't apologize for prior planning on my part.
Lonehiker (MRT '22)
Well didn't this spin out of hand rather quickly.
I'm still mainly with Sly, but it's been awhile and things change.
This is a subject with no wrong answer.
Thanks, all, for the feedback. I'll keep it in mind and see what's easiest for both parties (me and hostel). Have a great hike!! T-5 days for me!
I only ever called ahead once, and that mostly to reassure myself that the place in question was open for business and that there was going to be someone on hand to let me in. It was a new hostel that had just opened that year (Free State hiker hostel in MD.) It was quite nice, by the way, and it turned out I had the place to myself.
Many do accept reservations, many dont, so call ahead